Leadership Team

	Jamie Norell - Principal Mrs. Jamie Norell starts her tenure as Walnut High School Principal after spending her educational career at Glendora High School. During her time there, she served as a Track and Cross Country Coach, Social Science Teacher, Assistant Principal overseeing Curriculum, Instruction, and Testing, and most recently, as Principal. Each of these roles helped shape her leadership style and deepened her commitment to student success, academic excellence, community partnership, and the belief that “Kids Come First”. Mrs. Norell’s own educational journey began right here attending Walnut Elementary, Suzanne Middle School, and Walnut High School. Continuing the blue and gold trend at UCLA, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology. After a short career in Mortgage Banking, she received her teaching credential and master’s degree at Azusa Pacific University. Mrs. Norell’s connections to WHS run deep. Her father, Dr. Ken Gunn, was an original WHS staff member serving for many years at Walnut High School as a Coach, Teacher, Assistant Principal, and Principal, a legacy honored in 2005 when the football stadium was named after him. Her siblings join her as proud Mustang alumni who quite literally grew up on these grounds. Even her mom, Mrs. Linda Gunn, a WVUSD elementary librarian, was a regular presence here, supporting her family and the campus along the way. Each member of The Gunn Family attended UCLA which explains how the Bruin blue and gold, along with the UCLA fight song, found a second home right here at Walnut High. Mrs. Norell is married to Chip and together they have raised three boys: Trey, a recent University of Oregon graduate; Jack, currently a student and football player at Carnegie Mellon University; and Nick, a student-athlete at Glendora High School. When not cheering on her boys from the sidelines, she can be found supporting her beloved UCLA, and spending quality time with family and friends.
@DrAndreaPoma	Dr. Andrea Poma - Assistant Principal Dr. Andrea Poma begins her fifth year as Assistant Principal at Walnut High School. Her passion for teaching and commitment to student success have been instrumental in her 17 year career. Her journey in education began with teaching English, ELD, and various intervention courses at the high school level. She has held numerous leadership roles within schools, including ELD coordinator, Intervention/RTI committee member, Anti-Bullying and Positive Behavior Advisor, and Grade Level Curriculum and Instruction lead. Before joining Walnut High School, she served as an administrator for three years in the Bonita Unified School District. Dr. Poma earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre Arts from California State University Long Beach, followed by two Masters Degrees in Education and Educational Leadership from Azusa Pacific University. Her pursuit of knowledge culminated in a doctorate in Educational Leadership, with an emphasis in Educational Psychology, from the University of Southern California. Dr. Poma's educational philosophy is rooted in the belief that all students have the potential to learn at high levels. She is dedicated to providing culturally relevant and equitable opportunities for every student to succeed. Outside of her professional life, Dr. Poma enjoys spending quality time with her family, especially her daughter Kendall. Her love for her family and her dedication to her community are integral parts of who she is.
	Dr. Trina Dreyer - Instructional Dean Dr. Trina Dreyer is looking forward to serving in the role of an Instructional Dean at Walnut High School. This will be her 29th year in education and 22nd year in the Walnut Valley Unified School District. Dr. Dreyer began her career as a kindergarten teacher! She taught at the elementary level for 18 years (11 years at Westhoff Elementary). She was also an Elementary Learning Specialist and Principal at Evergreen Elementary. Dr. Dreyer later gained experience in higher education as the coordinator of the online teacher credentialing program and an adjunct professor at Biola University. She was fortunate to teach English and was the ELD Co-Coordinator at Diamond Bar High School. Additionally, she was a Program Specialist for the Walnut Valley Induction Consortium. Her dedication to, and philosophy of, education are framed by the District’s motto: “KIDS FIRST, Every Student, Every Day.” Dr. Dreyer earned her Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies, Master of Arts in Education: Teaching, and Doctorate of Educational Leadership from Azusa Pacific University. Outside of school, Dr. Dreyer is an avid hiker. She also enjoys taking walks at the Rose Bowl, traveling, and doing yoga.
	Luz Lozano - Instructional Dean Ms. Luz Lozano joins the Walnut Leadership team this year. She has served as an Assistant Principal for the last four years both in Middle School and High School . Since she started her career in administration, she has focused on supporting students, staff, and families. Before entering administration, Ms. Lozano spent many years in the classroom teaching Spanish and serving in leadership roles such as department chair and instructional technology lead. Her experience in both teaching and leadership has given her a well-rounded perspective on education and school culture. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology and Spanish from Loyola Marymount University and earned her Master’s in Education and Teaching Credential from Azusa Pacific University. Outside of school, Ms. Lozano enjoys cooking and spending quality time at home with her family and traveling.
	Dr. Ryan McDonnell - Instructional Dean Dr. Ryan McDonnell is honored to begin his first year as an Instructional Dean at Walnut High School, marking his 20th year in education. Dr. McDonnell brings a wealth of experience to Walnut High, having served in various roles across middle and high school settings. He began his career as a middle school special education teacher before transitioning to high school chemistry and psychology. His commitment to student development extended beyond the classroom as a student government (ASB) advisor. Dr. McDonnell's leadership journey includes five years as an assistant principal and seven years as a principal, most recently at an early college high school where he focused on helping students earn college credits while still in high school. His core philosophy as a leader centers on empowering both students and staff, ensuring they have the necessary tools and support to achieve their goals and succeed. Academically, Dr. McDonnell holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Spanish from UCLA, a Master of Arts in Teaching Special Education from Loyola Marymount University, and a Doctorate of Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California. He is also a proud alumnus of the Walnut Valley Unified School District, having attended Walnut Elementary, South Pointe Middle School, and Diamond Bar High School. Outside of school, Dr. McDonnell has been married to his wife for almost eight years. Their two children are currently attending elementary school within the Walnut Valley Unified School District. His family enjoys traveling to Ohio during school breaks to visit family.
	Valeria Varela - Athletic Director
	Conchita Cawley - Operations Manager Conchita Cawley is excited to begin her seventh year as School Operations Manager and eleventh year as a Walnut Valley Unified parent. She joins us with more than 20 years of experience in the private sector in leadership and management. Prior to Walnut High School, Mrs. Cawley worked at a non-profit mental hospital in downtown Los Angeles as the IT Manager. She was the sole on-site IT employee supporting 400+ employees. She worked at Nordstrom full-line stores in Costa Mesa, Brea, Cerritos and Montclair as well as the Nordstrom Rack in Costa Mesa. Mrs. Cawley began her career on the sales floor and quickly worked her way into Customer Service Management. She was honored with the prestigious Customer Service All-Star award. Mrs. Cawley received her Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University, Fullerton in 2002. She serves on the board for Diamond Bar AYSO. She enjoys volunteering in her children's classrooms and also in Children’s Services at her church in Chino Hills. She has been married to her husband, Richard, for 20 years. They have three children (12th grade, 8th grade, and 6th grade). She is a proud Walnut High Mustang, Diamond Bar Brahma, Chaparral Cougar.
@WalnutHigh_ASB	Andy Schultz - Activities Director Andy begins his 25th year at Walnut High School. He spent his first 8 years teaching Chemistry and coaching basketball. During this time, he was selected as a Los Angeles County Most Inspirational Teacher of the Year two times as well as the Walnut High School Teacher of the Year. For the past 15 years, he has been the Mustang Activities Director. Prior to Walnut High School, Andy taught Chemistry and Biology as well as well as being a head boys’ basketball coach in the state of Washington for nine years. He attended Washington State University before earning his degree in Biology and Chemistry from Carroll College in Helena, Montana. He is married to his beautiful wife, Corolar Schultz, who is a Grade Level Coordinator at Walnut High School. Andy grew up on the Schultz and Sons’ Black Angus Ranch and Wheat Farm in Eastern Washington. His childhood established the importance of planting seeds and having the patience to let them grow. On a daily basis, Andy plants seeds of empowerment into his students and has had the pleasure of taking part in both their growth and maturity.
	Monique Estrada - Administrative Assistant Monique Estrada begins her 13th year in education and excited to start her 9th year at Walnut High School. Before joining Walnut High School, Monique worked as the Administrative Assistant in the Special Education Department for Pasadena Unified School District. Monique completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology at Cal Poly Pomona. Monique grew up in the Walnut Valley Community. Monique is a Chaparral Middle School and Diamond Bar High School alumni! In her spare time, Monique enjoys spending time with her family, exploring the beautiful oceans and mountains of California.